Mas Coutelou Le Vin des Amis 2020 Vin de France

A youthful, medium-deep, translucent cherry/ruby red core, leading to a narrow rim. As with all of Jeff Coutelou's wines, this simply brims with life! The aromas and flavours are not too dissimilar to 7 Rue de La Pompe (above), but the bigger percentage of Cinsault means that it is a little lighter and more elegant, with more in the way of red fruits than black. We still have bramble and plum, but raspberry, red cherry and redcurrant also put in an appearance, all shot through with that wonderful, slightly spiky orange/soft citrus  quality. The tannins are also a little finer and more integrated - indeed, everything comes together so beautifully, in a wine that is (surprise, surprise) a joy to drink already. It isn't massively complex - it isn't trying to be - but it is one of those wines that just makes you go "Wow!". On day 2, it is even better - clotted cream, vanilla, raspberry, cinnamon, spice and a hint of toffee - like a vinous ice cream sundae, still wonderfully fruity, with firm tannins, cracking acidity and impressive length of flavour. Gorgeous stuff!